Beaufort, SC, October 13, 2025
News Summary
Beaufort, SC, is facing significant flooding as king tides coincided with a developing low-pressure system, leading to road closures and hazardous conditions. The Beaufort River overflowed, impacting areas like Waterfront Park and Pigeon Point Boat Landing. Coastal flood warnings are in effect, and residents are responding by reevaluating housing risks as projections indicate sea level rise could threaten over 260 homes by 2100.
Beaufort, SC is experiencing significant flooding due to a combination of factors that reached a critical point on Friday, particularly during a period associated with king tides. The Beaufort River overflowed its banks at 2:45 p.m., leading police to promptly alert residents about road closures in the area, including the extensions of Charles Street and Scott Street at Waterfront Park. Additionally, the Pigeon Point Boat Landing, located 1.7 miles north of the park, also faced inundation from the rising waters.
King tides typically occur during full moons when the moon’s positioning around the Earth influences tidal heights, and this fall’s tides showcased particularly elevated levels. The tidal gauge at Fort Pulaski, near Tybee Island, Georgia, recorded the second highest tide of the year at 10.35 feet at 11:30 a.m. Friday, indicating that minor flooding is expected at tide levels of 9.5 feet. The implications of the rising waters were felt acutely across the region, compounded by strong northeast winds topping gale force levels of 35 knots.
A developing low-pressure system off the Florida coast contributed to the already significant tides, creating what a meteorologist described as a “perfect coincidence” of astronomical and weather-related factors. The registered tide at Fort Pulaski was notable not only for its height, ranking as the eighth highest since records began in 1935 but also as the third highest tide when excluding hurricanes from the data. The highest tide on record was caused by Hurricane Matthew in October 2016, which reached a staggering 12.56 feet.
As a precautionary measure, a coastal flood warning is currently in effect for nearby Charleston and Colleton counties, while Beaufort County remains under a coastal flood advisory. The flooding effects extended beyond Beaufort, impacting beaches in Hilton Head, where high surf advisories complicated access to the water. Shore Beach Services in Hilton Head recommended that swimmers stay out of the ocean due to dangerous rip currents and delayed lifeguard operations.
Furthermore, a beach renourishment project in Hilton Head is facing delays due to the adverse conditions caused by the high tide and rough seas. This persistent danger from flooding has compelled many residents in low-lying coastal areas like Beaufort to reevaluate their housing situations. Some are even opting to raise their homes to mitigate future risks. Highlighting this trend, one homeowner raised his bungalow 10 feet to adapt to the growing threats of flooding in coastal communities.
Looking ahead, sea level rise projections warn that levels could increase by 4.3 feet by 2100, threatening at least 262 homes in Beaufort situated at or below 4 feet above sea level. Historical climate data signals a concerning trend, showing a significant increase in flooding days across Beaufort correlating with rising sea levels and broader climate change impacts. Experts caution that residences subjected to flooding could face long-term health issues, particularly due to mold exposure.
Despite the rising risks from flooding and sea level increase, current coastal property values in the Beaufort area continue to rise, complicating issues of housing affordability and community stability.
FAQ
What caused the flooding in Beaufort on Friday?
A perfect storm of factors led to high tides in Beaufort, including king tides expected in the fall, a developing low-pressure system off the Florida coast, and strong northeast winds.
What was the highest recorded tide during this event?
The tidal gauge at Fort Pulaski recorded the second highest tide of the year at 10.35 feet at 11:30 a.m. on Friday.
What warnings are currently in effect?
A coastal flood warning is in effect for Charleston and Colleton counties, while Beaufort County remains under a coastal flood advisory.
How are residents responding to increased flooding risks?
Residents in low-lying coastal areas are reassessing their living situations, with some opting to raise their homes to mitigate future flooding risks.
Key Features of the Flooding Event
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Date of Event | Friday |
| Highest Recorded Tide | 10.35 feet at Fort Pulaski |
| Road Closures | Charles Street and Scott Street extensions at Waterfront Park |
| Impact on Beaches | Hilton Head beaches affected by high surf and warned for swimmers |
| Future Projections | Projected sea level rise of 4.3 feet by 2100 |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Hilton Head Beaches Face Access Challenges Due to King Tide
High Surf Advisory Issued for South Carolina Coastal Areas
Tropical Depression Nine Approaches Coastal South Carolina
FEMA Allocates $7 Million for Disaster Recovery in South Carolina
FEMA Allocates Nearly $7 Million for South Carolina Disaster Recovery
Severe Thunderstorm Warning Issued for Laurens, Union, and Spartanburg Counties
Charleston Braces for King Tide Conditions
Charleston County Faces Flash Flooding Due to Heavy Rain
Severe Thunderstorm Alert for Fairfield, Kershaw, and Richland Counties
Additional Resources
- Island Packet: Beaufort News
- Wikipedia: Flood
- The State: Weather News
- Google Search: King Tides
- ABC News 4: Flood Warnings
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Climate Change
- Your Island News: King Tide Impact
- Google Scholar: Sea Level Rise
Author: STAFF HERE HILTON HEAD
The HILTON HEAD STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREHiltonHead.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Hilton Head Island, Beaufort County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the RBC Heritage golf tournament, Hilton Head Island Wine & Food Festival, and the Gullah Celebration. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Hilton Head Island-Bluffton Chamber of Commerce and Community Foundation of the Lowcountry, plus leading businesses in tourism and hospitality that power the local economy such as Sea Pines Resort and Sonesta Resort Hilton Head Island. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAiken.com, HEREBeaufort.com, HEREChapin.com, HERECharleston.com, HEREClinton.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGeorgetown.com, HEREGreenwood.com, HEREGreenville.com, HEREHiltonHead.com, HEREIrmo.com, HEREMyrtleBeach.com, HERENewberry.com, HERERockHill.com, and HERESpartanburg.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
